If you’re feeling the pinch of rising prices, there may be some good news on the horizon. A new round of inflation relief payments is coming, with up to $500 in direct stimulus checks available to qualifying Americans. But not everyone will be eligible. To receive a payment in 2025, you’ll need to meet three specific requirements.
Who is eligible for the payment?
This second round of relief is being sent in Georgia and is the state’s ongoing attempt to fight back against the bite of inflation. The rebate package was signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on April 15, the third to be signed into law. But the state has established three tough requirements you’ll need to meet in order to receive the payout.
Requirement 1: File your 2023 and 2024 tax returns
You needed to have submitted both your 2023 and 2024 state tax returns to qualify for the payment. If you were late on the initial May 1 deadline, you still have time if you requested an extension. Then you need to file your documents by October 15, 2025.
Without making these filings, you won’t qualify for the stimulus check, so getting your taxes current is important.
Condition 2: Be a Georgia resident or have worked there
The rebate is only for Georgia residents, which means you must have lived in the state both in 2023 and 2024 to qualify. But if you lived elsewhere but worked in Georgia during the time, you may also qualify.
The payments are going out according to the address you’ve given on your tax return, so make sure your data is current and correct.
Read this: What is a TACO trade? The money making method traders use when they think Trump will chicken out.
Condition 3: You owe a 2023 tax liability
You had to have a 2023 tax liability in order to receive the payment. That’s a tax you owed after credits and deductions. If you did not owe any, you probably won’t get this payment.
How much will I get?
The relief checks are paid out in three levels, depending on your filing status:
- Single filers will receive $250
- Heads of household will be given $375
- Joint filers (married) will be given the largest sum of $500
They will be primarily paid through direct deposit, but paper checks will be delivered in six to eight weeks.
Other relief options and payments
Although this program is aimed at Georgians resident in Georgia, other Americans could also be eligible for property-related payments or unclaimed money from earlier tax years. New Yorkers can also expect a separate inflation relief payment of up to \$400 later this year, with over eight million people set to gain.
While it’s always nice to get money relief, make sure you meet all three criteria prior to expecting a check. File your tax return on time, confirm that you reside in or are employed in Georgia, and have a tax obligation. Doing so early may put a much-needed sum in your wallet in 2025.
Stay informed — and remain prepared.
